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Walker Buehler, pitching on just one day of rest following his stellar Game 3 start, came out of the bullpen on Wednesday night to shut the door on the New York Yankees and clinch a World Series championship for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For Buehler, who underwent Tommy John surgery halfway through the 2022 season and missed the entire 2023 campaign, the moment was vindication after a long road back to the mound.

"Obviously for me personally, huge," Buehler told Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal after the World Series win. "Two years off, two surgeries … It's a lot."

Then, Buehler, who was on the 2020 Dodgers team that won the World Series, couldn't resist taking a jab at critics who discredit the title that came in the 60-game season shortened due to the pandemic.

"For our organization, we deserve this," Buehler said. "We've been playing really good baseball for a lot of years. Everybody talks s**t about 2020, but they can't say a whole lot about it now."

Fans and pundits have, at tims, been hesitant to give Los Angeles full credit for the 2020 title, given that it came in a shortened season. Even Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo, who was dealt from the Dodgers to the Boston Red Sox in February of 2020, gave the Dodgers credit for winning the World Series that year but claimed it was "still a 60-gamer."

Buehler seemingly wasn't referring to anyone in particular with his comment to Rosenthal—just taking aim at the general consensus from critics of the 2020 team—but it was somewhat fitting that the Dodgers starter struck out Verdugo for the series-clinching out.

And Buehler wasn't the only player who referenced critics of the club's championship win four years ago.

Dodgers infielder Gavin Lux, part of the club's taxi squad in 2020, on Tuesday told reporters the lack of respect for that year's title "bugs everybody."

Blake Treinen, who pitched on the 2020 team, told Tom Verducci that it was good to see the club "silence the critics."

"I've been very blessed to be a part of this organization for my fifth year now," Treinen said. "For my first year, we were very blessed to have a World Series in Texas. And there's been a lot of people that want to discredit 2020."

"And I don't want to harp on this a lot but it's so great to see the guys that are still here from then, Doc [Dave Roberts], the players, front office being able to finally silence the critics on this because every year has its challenges. Everybody has the same playing field."

Manchester United’s 1-0 triumph over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon has injected a newfound sense of optimism that Ruben Amorim is the man to lead the club forward.

Such a performance made it two Premier League wins in a row for the Red Devils, something which hadn’t been achieved since May 2024 under former boss Erik ten Hag.

Dating back to the end of August, the side have now won four of their last six matches, showcasing the impressive work conducted by the boss despite links around his future at Old Trafford.

The 40-year-old also appears to have the backing of the hierarchy, especially after Sir Jim Ratcliffe claimed he wanted to give the former Sporting CP boss three years in the role.

However, Amorim may have numerous players to thank for the club’s recent upturn in form, with the duo undoubtedly being some of the shining lights during 2025/26.

The underlying stats behind Bruno & Mbeumo’s success in 2025/26

Despite a dismal 2024/25 campaign, Bruno Fernandes managed to achieve some incredible numbers for United, as seen by his tally of 37 combined goals and assists, but the midfielder has continued such form into the new campaign.

He’s currently sitting at the top of the Red Devils’ chances created chart, currently registering 2.8 per 90 – a tally that is way higher than any other player within the squad.

The 31-year-old has also completed the most passes of any player, further highlighting the ability he possesses to provide others with endless opportunities – despite operating in a deeper role after the arrival of one player this summer.

Bruno has had to play as a number eight to help accommodate new addition Bryan Mbeumo, with the Cameroonian showcasing why the hierarchy forked out a fee in the region of £71m for his signature.

The 26-year-old has already had an immediate impact, achieving the highest shot-on-target accuracy rate of any player in squad – contributing to his top-goalscorer status at present.

He’s also created the same number of big chances in the Premier League as Bruno, highlighting his all-round quality in attacking areas – something which was greatly lacking in 2024/25.

The United star who’s becoming Amorim’s best player

Mbeumo and Bruno have both registered a total of three combined goals and assists – with the pair registering the most contributions of any players in the United squad.

The efforts in front of goal, coupled with the aforementioned underlying stats, have made the pair some of the first names on Amorim’s teamsheet.

The pair have played key roles in the recent revival of the manager and will likely continue to do so in the near future, potentially bringing about added levels of success in the years ahead.

However, the aforementioned pair may not be the only ones who play a vital role under Amorim, with Amad Diallo arguably being one of his most important players at present.

Before the manager’s arrival at Old Trafford, the Ivorian was barely an impact player under Ten Hag and often had to rely on minutes off the bench to have the desired effect.

He’s since become a consistent starter over the last 12 months, but also doing so in a somewhat unfamiliar role to help fit into the 40-year-old’s infamous 3-4-2-1 system.

The 23-year-old has occupied the RWB position of late, a role that is slightly deeper than what he’s used to, having joined the Red Devils as a right-winger back in the winter of 2021.

However, Amad has taken to life in the position like a duck to water, nailing it down as his own and subsequently producing numerous incredible figures in 2025/26.

He’s featured in all but one league outing to date, only registering one goal contribution, but it’s his underlying stats that have seen him adhere himself to the fanbase.

Games played

7

Goals & assists

1

Pass accuracy

93%

Key passes made

1.4

Dribbles completed

1.2

Tackles made

1.9

Ball recoveries made

4.1

Big chances created

2

The Ivorian, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered 1.4 key passes per 90 along with a 93% pass completion rate – subsequently showcasing his ability to provide those around him with key chances.

Amad has also completed 1.2 dribbles per 90 in the Premier League, which has allowed him to get into dangerous areas before making the killer pass to one of his teammates.

However, his new role has seen him take on added defensive responsibility, something he’s taken in his stride as seen by his tally of 1.9 tackles and 4.1 ball recoveries made per 90.

As a result of such performances, Amad is rapidly becoming one of the manager’s key performers, showcasing that he can be trusted operating in a somewhat unnatural position.

Should he continue on such a trajectory, the youngster can be a key first-team member for many years to come and help Bruno and Mbeumo in their quest for success in the final third.

Man Utd's "homegrown Osimhen" at Carrington looks like their new Rashford

Manchester United already have a star who could reach phenomenal levels in the near future.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 23, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo's eldest son Cristiano Junior helped Portugal's U16 side clinch the Federation Cup in Turkey as they beat England in the final. Ronaldo's fiancée Georgina Rodriguez was in attendance as the proud mum cheered for the 15-year-old from the stands. At the end of the match, Cristiano Jr hugged Georgina and posed for a photograph with the trophy.

Ronaldo Jr shines for Portugal U16s

Cristiano Jr made his debut for the Portugal U-16s at the Federation Cup tournament against hosts Turkey last week and then scored his maiden goal in a 3-0 win over Wales in their second match. On Wednesday, he came off the bench in the second half and played the last few minutes of the final as Portugal U-16 beat England 2-1 to clinch the title.

Braga's academy player Rafael Cabral starred with a brace as Portugal edged out the Young Lions in the final. Ronaldo's fiancée Georgina was present at the venue to cheer Cristiano Jr on, and the posed together for snaps with the trophy after the final whistle. Georgina said in a post on Instagram: "I love being a mom. I am very proud of my big boy." 

The model and influencer has been a stepmother to Cristiano Jr since meeting his father back in 2016.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportFollowing in father's footsteps

Like his father, the young forward’s football journey has been global. Having spent time in the academies of Real Madrid and Juventus, Cristiano Jr is now part of Al-Nassr’s youth setup in Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo continues to shine at senior level in the Saudi Pro League. Earlier this year, Cristiano Jr dazzled for Portugal’s Under-15s at the Vlatko Markovic Tournament in Croatia, where he scored twice in the final to lead his team to a 3-2 win over the hosts.

Ronaldo has always been supportive of his son's growth as a footballer and keeps talking about his potential. The Portuguese legend has said: "He’s very competitive, like me when I was young, and he doesn’t like to lose. I don’t make big pressure; I make a little. He already has pressure being the son of Cristiano. Let him make his own mistakes, but I hope that in the future he can become a professional player."

It is indeed a tough job growing up as the son of a legendary footballer. Every touch, every goal, especially every miss, will inevitably be compared to Ronaldo’s glittering professional career.

'I want to follow Cristiano Junior'

In his latest interview on 'Piers Morgan Uncensored', Ronaldo discussed his retirement plans. When asked about when he is planning to bring the curtain down on his career, the 40-year-old said: "Soon. But I will be prepared. It’ll be tough and difficult, of course. Probably I will cry, yes. It will be very difficult, but Piers, I have prepared for my future since 25 or 26 years old. Nothing will compare to the adrenaline we have to score a goal. But, everything has a beginning and an end, so I’ll be prepared.

"I’ll have more time for me, my family, to raise my kids. I want to follow Cristiano Junior because he’s in the age where you do stupid things, normal, I did the same. I want to be more (of a) family person, more present."

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GettyHow is it going for Ronaldo?

Ronaldo has started the 2025-26 campaign on a bright note as he already has eight league goals to his name. His stellar form has helped Al-Nassr win seven matches in a row in the Saudi Pro League. Ronaldo, who has won almost every major honour available in club and international football, has surprisingly gone trophyless in the last two and a half years since moving to the Middle East. The veteran star is determined to win the league title this season and return to the AFC Champions League Elite Stage.

Juan Soto is set to become a free agent this offseason after his one-year deal with the New York Yankees is up.

The Yankees are still expected to try to bring Soto back, and his teammates definitely want that to happen, but a few other MLB teams have popped up as potential landing spots for the outfielder. Including, now, the Los Angeles Dodgers according to the 's Jon Heyman. The Yankees and Dodgers are currently playing against each other in the World Series.

The Dodgers would be able to afford Soto thanks to Shohei Ohtani's contract he signed this past offseason. The 10-year, $680 million deal is mostly deferred until the 10 years are up. The Dodgers will be charged around $46.06 million annually and have around $24 million to use each year to help add more talent to the roster.

Soto averaged .288/.419/.569 during the 2024 season. He had 166 hits, 128 runs, 109 RBIs and 41 home runs, which was the fourth most in the league. He will join the Yankees in attempting to stave off elimination starting with Game 3 on Monday night in the Bronx.

A former Manchester City starlet has revealed how intense first-team sessions under Pep Guardiola contributed to him walking away from professional football entirely, choosing instead to study law at Oxford University. Former England youth international Han Willhoft-King, once tipped for a Premier League breakthrough, says he stopped enjoying the sport and wanted a more fulfilling future beyond football.

Wilhoft-King's footballing rise and sudden end

Willhoft-King’s decision to leave football at just 19 came as a shock to those who followed his development closely. The midfielder had spent over a decade progressing through Tottenham Hotspur’s academy before joining Manchester City’s Under-21 setup in 2024, with his career path seemingly destined for first-team football. He had been coached by Premier League icon Yaya Toure, trained with Antonio Conte’s Spurs, and became part of the first-team training group at City. 

But his journey never followed a smooth trajectory. A series of injuries, including a long setback shortly after arriving at the Etihad, disrupted his momentum and left him increasingly frustrated by the stop-start nature of his development. Despite earning England youth caps and working alongside some of the best players in the world, he never found the consistent rhythm needed to flourish at the highest level.   

Alongside physical hurdles, the teenager struggled with lifestyle and motivation as a young player. The daily routine of training, recovery, and inactivity between sessions left him bored and unstimulated, even while living a dream many aspire to. Rather than becoming hungry to push on, Willhoft-King began to feel that professional football no longer offered the fulfilment he craved — ultimately triggering a life-changing decision.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGuardiola's training intensity played part in Wilhoft-King's decision

Speaking to The Telegraph, Willhoft-King reflected on first-team sessions under Guardiola, he said: “Tottenham is a good team but Man City is another level. De Bruyne, Haaland … these are the best players in the world. But you also realise they are normal people. They have a bit of banter, they call each other out for making mistakes. And seeing Pep … he is just so, so animated. The energy he brings, the hand gestures, raising his voice. It’s actually pretty remarkable.” 

However, the experience quickly became mentally challenging: “Then … I don’t want to say disillusioned but you realise … well, training with the first team became a thing that no one was really looking forward to, strangely enough. Because you would just be pressing. We would be running after the ball like dogs for half an hour, 60 minutes. It’s not a very pleasant experience, especially when you are trying to press De Bruyne or Gündogan or Foden. You can’t get near them, so the feeling of not wanting to do this overcomes being starstruck.” 

Speaking about how he ultimately fell out of love with the day-to-day reality of life as a young pro, the Englishman added: “I wasn’t enjoying it. I don’t know what it was, maybe the environment. I’m bored often, as well. You’d train, you’d come home and you wouldn’t really do anything. If you contrast it to now … I’m struggling to find hours in the day.” 

He also described his career outlook beyond football: “I always felt understimulated in football. Don’t get me wrong. I still loved it. But I always felt I could be doing more. I was wasting hours of the day. I needed something different and Oxford excited me; the people, too. I guess that’s the reason.  

“Say I had a career in League One or the Championship … you make good money. But how much would I enjoy it? In my head I wasn’t sure. Also, best-case scenario – you’ll play for 10, 15 years and after that, what? I thought going to university would provide a platform for me to do something at least for longer than the next 10 to 15 years. So, it’s a bit of a long-term thing, as well.”

Wilhoft-King's decision to pivot to new career path

Willhoft-King had been regarded as a standout prospect from a young age. Tottenham scouted him from grassroots football, where he shared the pitch with future Arsenal talents Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri. His technical ability, intelligence and composure in midfield made him one of the most highly regarded players in his age group.

Despite that status, he frequently questioned whether football alone would satisfy his ambition. With a family upbringing rooted in education, including a father who worked in academia, he always felt the pull of a more intellectually demanding future. Balancing A-levels with academy football, he excelled academically and achieved three A* grades. 

When Manchester City offered him a contract in 2024, he accepted to avoid a lifelong “what if?”, but injuries and squad depth limited his opportunities. After experiencing elite performance environments at Spurs and City, he recognised that football’s intensity did not align with his personal goals or happiness. That prompted him to pivot — successfully — toward a different path.

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Getty Images NewsWilhoft-King continues to play football at Oxford University

Willhoft-King is now focused on fully embracing his new chapter at Oxford University’s Brasenose College, where he is studying for a law degree. He continues to play football at the university level, representing the first team and competing in the varsity rivalry against Cambridge, but without the pressures of professional development. The transition has provided him with greater daily fulfilment and social balance.   

Meanwhile, his departure serves as a reminder of the unseen psychological challenges young players face in elite football environments. His story highlights that talent alone does not guarantee happiness or career satisfaction, even at the highest level of the sport. Whether his future leads to a legal career, sports administration, or another industry entirely, Willhoft-King insists he made the choice that keeps him motivated — and that is the ultimate goal.

Pooran is also captain of the MI franchises in the MLC and the ILT20

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Aug-2025Nicholas Pooran has been named Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) captain ahead of CPL 2025. He will take over from Kieron Pollard, who has led the team since 2019, when he replaced Dwayne Bravo in the role.”It means a lot, first and foremost, to represent Trinbago Knight Riders. It is a privilege that I’m getting the opportunity to lead this franchise,” Pooran said. “I want to give it my best shot, and hopefully make as many correct decisions as I can. It’s a responsibility that has been passed on from Bravo to Pollard, and now to me.”For me, the most satisfying thing is that Pollard is still playing; Sunil [Narine] and Andre [Russell] are here too. That’s a lot of experience I can bank on. To lead them on the field – it means a lot to me.”Related

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Pooran, who is one of the most sought-after players on the T20 circuit, made his debut in the format as a 17-year-old in the inaugural season of the CPL for TKR, who were then known as Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel. He switched to Barbados Royals (BR) and Guyana Amazon Warriors before returning to TKR in 2022. He’s played in all the CPL seasons so far except for 2015, when he was out injured due to an accident. Overall in the CPL, Pooran has 2447 runs at a strike rate of 152.27 in 114 matches. At present, he is also the captain of MI New York in the MLC and MI Emirates in the ILT20.Under Pollard’s leadership, TKR not only won their fourth CPL title in 2020 but had a record unbeaten season – with 12 out of 12 wins – before making two more playoff appearances. In 2024, they lost the Eliminator to BR. Bravo was named head coach this season after he retired last year.”I believe grooming the next generation is very important,” Pollard said. “With Bravo coming on board this year as the new head coach, we felt this is the right time to get a new captain in. Pooran is homegrown, and I think this is the right opportunity for him. We’ve actually been preparing him for this over the years.”I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be playing for, but I’m happy for the opportunity to still be on the field and help Nicholas ease into this role. He’s someone who we’ve seen grow in front of us and he understands our values and principles. He understands how we want to play cricket, he understands the winning culture that we want to create, and he shares a lot of respect with a lot of players around the world. So for me, it was an easy decision to hand over the captaincy to Pooran.”TKR start their CPL 2025 campaign against St Kitts & Nevis Patriots on August 17.